"The action we took today expands the reach of this assistance to thousands more hardworking families," said Collins. "As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I was keenly aware that nearly 200,000 enlisted men and women could claim this credit for their children if we expanded the guidelines. Doing so sends exactly the right message of appreciation as many of them return home from fighting for the cause of freedom in Iraq.
The economic growth package signed into law last week increased the child credit from $600 to $1000 per child, a provision that is anticipated to benefit 25 million families. The bipartisan amendment cosponsored by Collins will make additional low-income families eligible for the credit.
Senator Collins noted that more than 119,000 Mainers will benefit from the increase in the child tax credit approved last month..
The amendment also makes other reforms to the nation's tax laws, including establishing a uniform definition of a child, and increasing the threshold at which upper income married couples can claim the child credit. The changes in the law will be financed by extending Customs users fees.